Royal Mail has operated a dedicated military postal unit since 1882, when the Army Post Office Corps was formed for service during the Egyptian and Sudanese campaigns. In 1908, the unit was subsumed into the Royal Engineers as their Postal Section. After several changes throughout the 20th century, it was re-launched as the British Forces Post Office.

Today, the BFPO offers discounted mail delivery to troops stationed around the world. It also offers free delivery of Forces Air letters (Blueys) sent to personnel on operational duty.